On3’s Talia Goodman is showcasing women’s college basketball coaches taking over at new schools. This is the third edition of the series – in which we’ll take a deeper look at some of the 50-plus coaches who took over new programs during a turbulent offseason.
Shawn Poppie bio
BORN: Crescent City, Illinois
EXPERIENCE: 2007-11: Limestone College, 2011-13: USC Upstate, 2013-16: Furman, 2016-22: Virginia Tech, 2022-24: Chattanooga (head coach)
PLAYED: Limestone College
CAREER RECORD: 48-18 (Chattanooga)
Why Shawn Poppie took Clemson job?
Shawn Poppie led the Chattanooga Mocs to NCAA Tournament appearances in both of his two years at the helm. He wasn’t looking for his “next” job, but Clemsonwas one of the few schools he knew he’d have interest in if he got the call.
And he did.
He went to college in the area at Limestone College and then coached at USC Upstate for three years. He knows, and loves, the area. He was born and raised in Illinois, but he grew up in South Carolina and was elated at the chance to come back.
But loving the area was just the tip of the iceberg for Poppie’s excitement to take over at Clemson.
“There’s a vision here and it really made me feel like this was a place where I could become part of the family,” Poppie said. “Family is important to me. That’s what really drew me to it.”
Another draw to the job was Poppie’s familiarity with the league. He coached at Virginia Tech for six years under head coach Kenny Brooks and grew to love the competitive nature of the ACC. He knows the style of play well and is ready for the challenges of the conference.
“We’ve got some really good teams that have had a lot of success over recent years nationally…” Poppie said. “Our goal is to be part of that conversation. You know, when we talk about those really good basketball programs, our goal is to get into that conversation.”
Shawn Poppie wants to build strong culture
Culture is a word that gets thrown around a lot, but for Shawn Poppie, it’s more about the little things than an overarching theme.
“I’m a big, big believer in how you do things,” Poppie said. “The little things become the big things. So, how do we walk into a classroom? Are we taking academics seriously? That stuff matters. Every day is an interview and you don’t ever know who’s watching. When you do those things day in and day out, it grows who you are as a person – and then it translates on the basketball court.”
Poppie is focusing on building meaningful relationships with each player on his team and pushing them to do the same with each other. They don’t need to all be best friends, but they do need one thing.
“We’re going to respect one another,” Poppie said. “And we’re all going to have one common goal and that’s to win.”
Poppie’s coaching style
Passion is the best word to describe Shawn Poppie’s coaching style – on the sidelines and behind the scenes.
He’s energetic and animated, which are qualities you can see from the stands while Poppie is coaching a game. But he carries that passion through all aspects of his job, whether it’s relationship-building, motivating his players or recruiting during the offseason.
“I’m very, very passionate for my young people,” Poppie said. “I want it so bad for them. I watch them put in the work day in and day out and there’s a lot of passion that goes into it. Yes, I want to win but I want them to be able to show the world what they’re capable of.”
The energy brewing is contagious. His players exemplify that same passion and spirit on the court each day.
“What you’re going to see is a team full of energy,” Poppie said. “Not only the five that are on the court. When someone dives on a loose ball, you’re gonna see four people sprinting to pick them up – not because Coach Poppie says to, but because we care so much about who that person is that dove on the floor. You’re gonna see a bench that’s cheering for one another because they care about Clemson women’s basketball and we form that family of celebrating one another.”
Something you may not know about Poppie
Shawn Poppie is beyond passionate about coaching women’s basketball. He’s only ever been on the women’s side for his 18 years of coaching and that’s because he loves the game.
“This game has been beautiful for a long time,” Poppie said. “It’s what’s kept me in this game because I don’t ever have any aspirations of going to the men’s side. I think that we play the truest form of basketball.”
He’s also a father of three boys, one who may be more popular than himself. His eight-year-old has taken over stool duties during games and got a lot of coverage during the NCAA Tournament for it.
The post The Journey: Shawn Poppie returns to ACC with Clemson Tigers appeared first on On3.